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| Shelly Bryant with The Lined Palm |
I’m not a poet, but I love the bite of a poem, the tooth-someness of it, how a bite-sized portion turns out to be a feast.
Been reading the slim volume of poetry The Lined Palm by Shelly Bryant, a gift from her.
And as I read her lines again and yet again before I begin my own writing day (I find my writing flows smoother if I read a few snatches of poetry before), I’m taken down small, curving, wooded paths of imagination, and wonder.
It is such a joy to have a cup of tea in hand, watch a sunlit balcony and let the mind wander. I like daydreaming, as I think you may have gathered from my last post!
Maybe that’s what speculative poetry is all about?
Simurgh
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| Simurgh by Rachael Mayo. |
through the third destruction
one survivor emerges
on coppery wings she flies
in her beak a broken serpent
on her back the world’s weight
in her eye the wisdom of the ages
from her breast seedlings
onto the charred earth bestowed
~ Shelly Bryant.
It made me think of this benevolent mythical Persian bird Shelly describes here, and long for it, this bird that is female, a mammal with teeth, always a mother, large enough to carry an elephant or whale. I watch all the craziness and destruction and hatred in our world and wish our prayers and energies together would form a Simurgh– and she would make everything all right.
I found this wonderful depiction of the Simurgh by Rachael Mayo— and I think from the poem and the image, I already have this giant, wise ancient bird now inhabiting my subconscious.
Buy Shelly Bryant‘s The Lined Palm here.
Buy Rachael Mayo‘s work here.
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Do you read poetry? What sort of poetry do you like? Do you ever look for connections between poetry and art? Heard of the Simurgh before?
Love the poem by Shelly.
The Conference of the Bird, by Attar, with the Simurgh character, is a most inspiring story. Thanks for reminding me. I'll put the book on my bedside again.
I love poetry and follow several poetry blogs. I don't think I have a favorite type of poetry.
I do write poetry and do art. In fact my art is incomplete without poetry. Thank you for introducing me to Shelly's work. 🙂
I don't read poetry at all, but every now and then, one will strike a chord with me. The imagery in Shelly's is wonderful.
I don't read much poetry, but I do love certain poems. That one by Shelly is lovely.
I read some of my fellow blogger's poems, but I honestly don't read much outside of that. The poem you shared is quite nice, and I think the illustration goes well with it.
Interesting poem. I had never heard of Simurgh – so learnt something new too.
Thanks.
A beautiful poem. Thanks for sharing:)
I love the illustration of the Simurgh. It's perfect with Shelly's poem. I do read some poetry and I enjoy reading it aloud to myself.
I follow a few bloggers who are poets, but that's about it. Don't believe I've ever heard of the Simurgh.